Field notes for the frontline.
We explore every way to reach the frontline responders of Myanmar's humanitarian and development efforts — practical articles in plain English.
Practical reading, sector-specific.
A proposal writing checklist for local NGOs
Use this proposal checklist before you submit: planning, donor fit, structure, logic, budget match, annexes and final checks, built for local NGO teams.
Read the noteAccountability to affected populations in daily work
Put accountability to affected populations into daily project work: share information, enable participation, handle feedback and act on what people say.
Read the noteAdaptive management in a changing context
What adaptive management means for NGO projects, how it differs from normal good management, and a practical routine for learning and changing plans.
Read the noteAgile methods for NGO projects: what helps and what does not
What agile and adaptive management can and cannot do in donor-funded NGO projects: short cycles, reviews and feedback, plus the limits set by contracts.
Read the noteAn introduction to the Sphere standards
A plain introduction to the Sphere Handbook: what it contains, how the standards are built, and how NGO teams can use them to plan and check a response.
Read the noteArea-based approaches and what they mean for partners
What an area-based approach is, how area-based coordination works, and what it means for local NGO partners: roles, benefits, risks and how to prepare.
Read the noteAsset management and inventory control
A practical guide to asset registers, tagging, spot checks and stock counts for NGOs, so equipment is tracked and donor audits go smoothly.
Read the noteBoard governance basics for NGOs
What an NGO board does, how it differs from management, the three duties of a board member, and a simple yearly calendar a small board can follow.
Read the noteBudget management and monthly budget vs actual
How to run a monthly budget vs actual review: a simple report layout, how to read variances, what to do about them, and common mistakes in NGO budgets.
Read the noteBuilding a project budget tracker in Excel
Build a simple project budget tracker in Excel: set up the sheets, add budget lines, log expenses, and compare actuals to budget each month.
Read the noteBuilding trust with communities over time
How NGO teams build lasting community trust: listen, be open, act on feedback, keep promises and stay present. Includes a simple routine and common mistakes.
Read the noteBuilding your skills with online courses and certificates
How to pick online courses and certificates that employers value: free platforms, a learning plan, how to show your results and what to avoid.
Read the noteBurmese Unicode and Zawgyi: what NGOs need to know
Why Burmese text sometimes shows as broken characters: the difference between Zawgyi and Unicode, how to check and convert text, and a simple NGO policy.
Read the noteCareer paths in humanitarian and development work
There is no single ladder in aid work. See the main role families, how people move between them, and a practical plan to build your own career.
Read the noteCash and voucher assistance: when and how
When cash and voucher assistance (CVA) is the right choice, how to decide between cash, vouchers and in-kind aid, and the steps of a CVA programme.
Read the noteCash management in insecure contexts
How to hold, move and account for cash safely when banks are limited and risks are high: risk mapping, storage, counts, transfers and who to involve.
Read the noteChild safeguarding in community programmes
How to keep children safe in community programmes: the four child safeguarding standards, safe recruitment, behaviour rules, reporting and risk assessment.
Read the noteChoosing secure messaging tools for teams
How to choose a secure messaging tool for your team: end-to-end encryption, metadata, group rules, adoption and the questions to ask before you decide.
Read the noteCoaching and mentoring your team
How NGO managers can coach and mentor staff: the difference between the two, the GROW model, good questions, a simple meeting routine and common mistakes.
Read the noteCommunicating with communities clearly
How NGO staff can share information with communities in clear language, through several channels, and close the loop on feedback they receive.
Read the noteCommunity engagement that goes beyond consultation
How NGOs can move from one-off consultation to real participation: share information, involve people in decisions, close the feedback loop and stay accountable.
Read the noteCommunity-led response: lessons from Myanmar
What community-led response means, what 2018 pilots with local NGOs in Myanmar and Kenya found, and how to support communities to run their own response.
Read the noteCoordinating field teams across several townships
How to coordinate NGO field teams across townships: roles, reporting lines, a weekly rhythm, shared tools, and how local teams link to wider coordination.
Read the noteCost allocation across several grants
How to share staff, rent and other costs fairly across several grants: direct vs indirect costs, allocation bases, timesheets and a written method.
Read the noteCritical thinking for programme staff
Learn five habits of critical thinking for NGO programme staff: separate facts from assumptions, check sources, spot bias and test your conclusions.
Read the noteCrowdfunding for NGOs: what works and what to avoid
A practical guide to online crowdfunding for NGOs and CBOs: pick one project, plan the budget and pitch, choose a platform and avoid common mistakes.
Read the noteData protection for NGOs handling personal data
Practical data protection for NGOs: what personal data is, seven habits for collecting, storing and sharing it safely, and how to reduce harm to communities.
Read the noteDesigning reports and posts with Canva
How NGO staff can design clear reports, infographics and social posts with Canva: a simple workflow, brand basics, accessibility and nonprofit access.
Read the noteDigital cash transfers: options and risks
Digital cash transfers can be faster and safer than cash in hand, but they bring data, fraud and access risks. Learn the options and how to reduce risk.
Read the noteDigital security basics for civil society
Digital security basics for civil society teams: assess your risks, secure accounts and devices, avoid phishing, back up data and plan for emergencies.
Read the noteDisability inclusion in humanitarian action
Include persons with disabilities in humanitarian action: the twin-track approach, four must-do actions and simple changes to distributions and information.
Read the noteDisaster risk reduction for community organisations
A practical guide to disaster risk reduction for local organisations: hazards, vulnerability and capacity, a simple community risk assessment and a first plan.
Read the noteDo No Harm and conflict sensitivity in practice
How to apply Do No Harm and conflict sensitivity in NGO work: dividers and connectors, a seven-step process, and practical changes to targeting and staffing.
Read the noteDonor mapping: finding funders that fit your mission
How to run a donor mapping exercise in six steps: set your funding needs, build a long list, research each funder, score fit and plan next actions.
Read the noteDuty of care for staff in insecure settings
What duty of care means for NGOs: assess risk, set thresholds, inform and support staff, respond to incidents, and build a shared security culture.
Read the noteEarned income and social enterprise for NGOs
How NGOs can earn income through fees, products or services: readiness checks, mission fit, market demand, costs and risks to weigh before you start.
Read the noteEmergency preparedness planning for small NGOs
A simple preparedness plan for small NGOs: rank your risks, set minimum actions, write a short contingency plan and test it before the next emergency.
Read the noteEnding a partnership responsibly
How to end or change a partnership without harming partners or communities: when to exit, a six-step plan, notice periods, and what to say and record.
Read the noteEnergizers that work in trainings and meetings
How to choose and run energizers that wake up a training room without wasting time: when to use them, what to avoid, and ten simple examples.
Read the noteEnglish skills for NGO work
Practical English habits for NGO staff who read and write in a second language: plain writing rules, a daily practice plan and common mistakes to fix.
Read the noteEthics and consent in humanitarian data collection
Plain steps for ethical data collection: informed consent, do no harm, data minimisation, safe storage and sharing, with checks for field teams in Myanmar.
Read the noteExcel skills every NGO officer needs
Seven Excel skills that cover most NGO office work: tables, sorting, filters, formulas, data validation, pivot tables and safe sharing, with a practice plan.
Read the noteFacilitation skills for workshops and trainings
Practical facilitation skills for NGO staff: what a facilitator does, how to plan a session, ask good questions, manage quiet and loud voices, and close well.
Read the noteFair targeting: setting criteria communities accept
How to choose simple, fair targeting criteria for aid, test them with communities, handle cut-offs and complaints, and avoid conflict in Myanmar villages.
Read the noteFinancial policies every NGO needs
The core financial policies a small NGO needs, what each should say, and how to write and roll them out so donors and auditors can trust your controls.
Read the noteFinancial sustainability for local NGOs
What financial sustainability means for a local NGO: diversify income, build reserves, control core costs, and write a simple financing strategy.
Read the noteFive data quality checks before you report a number
Check validity, reliability, precision, integrity and timeliness before you report any figure. Simple questions and field checks for NGO MEAL teams.
Read the noteFood security programmes: key concepts
Understand the four pillars of food security, how to read a food security problem and how to match activities such as cash, inputs and livelihoods to the cause.
Read the noteFraud prevention for small NGOs
How small NGOs can prevent and detect fraud: where it happens, six low-cost controls, warning signs, and what to do when you suspect it.
Read the noteFrom capacity building to capacity sharing
Why the sector is moving from capacity building to capacity sharing, what changes, and how local NGOs can ask for support that respects their skills.
Read the noteFundraising ethics for small organisations
Practical ethics for small NGOs and CSOs: honest stories, donor intent, dignity of the people you serve, gifts you should refuse, and a simple policy.
Read the noteGender in humanitarian programmes
How to include gender in humanitarian programmes: why crises change gender risks, what a gender analysis covers, and a five-step routine for project teams.
Read the noteGetting started with KoboToolbox
Create your first KoboToolbox form, deploy it, collect data on phones online or offline, and avoid the common mistakes new users make.
Read the noteGiving and receiving feedback at work
Use the Situation-Behavior-Impact model to give clear feedback, and learn six steps to receive feedback calmly, with examples for NGO teams.
Read the noteGovernance for community-based organisations
A plain guide to governance for community-based organisations: why it matters, what a governing document covers, committee roles, records and accountability.
Read the noteHanding over a project to a new manager
A handover checklist for NGO project managers: what to document, what to explain in person and how the new manager can take over safely in the first weeks.
Read the noteHow humanitarian coordination works in Myanmar today
A neutral overview of Myanmar's humanitarian coordination: the Humanitarian Country Team, the 2026 plan, clusters, hubs and the role of local actors.
Read the noteHow local organisations can lead in coordination forums
Practical ways for local NGOs and CSOs to join and lead humanitarian coordination: preparation, representation, co-coordination roles and what to ask for.
Read the noteHow much of a project budget should go to MEAL?
A common rule of thumb is 5 to 10 percent of project cost for MEAL. See what to include, when to go higher or lower, and how to check your own budget.
Read the noteHow NGOs can use AI tools responsibly
A practical guide for NGO teams on using AI tools: where they help, the main risks, what data to keep out, and a simple policy you can adopt today.
Read the noteHow pooled humanitarian funds work for local partners
How OCHA country-based pooled funds work: allocation types, who can apply, vetting steps, oversight and how local NGOs can prepare to access them.
Read the noteHow small NGOs can diversify their funding
Practical steps for small NGOs to reduce reliance on one donor: know your funding mix, pick a few fitting sources, build earned and local income, and plan.
Read the noteHow to build a logframe, step by step
A plain guide to the logical framework: the problem tree, the results chain, indicators, sources and assumptions, with a table you can copy.
Read the noteHow to build a proposal pipeline and calendar
Build a simple pipeline and 12-month calendar for proposals: stages, what to record, start-by dates, owners and a weekly review small NGO teams can keep.
Read the noteHow to build a referral pathway
Build a safe referral pathway step by step: map services, check quality, get informed consent, protect confidentiality, train staff and follow up.
Read the noteHow to build a work plan and Gantt chart
A step-by-step method to turn a logframe into a work plan and Gantt chart your NGO team can follow, with a template, tips for Myanmar and common errors.
Read the noteHow to build and use a project risk register
Build a simple risk register for your NGO project: what to record, how to rate likelihood and impact, four response options and how to keep it alive.
Read the noteHow to build unrestricted funding over time
What unrestricted funding is, why it makes organisations stronger, and a step-by-step plan for local NGOs to grow flexible income over several years.
Read the noteHow to capture lessons learned that get used
Run a short lessons learned workshop, turn findings into owned actions, and store them where the next team will find them. A practical NGO method.
Read the noteHow to close a project properly
A step-by-step project closure guide for NGO teams: contracts, finance, assets, records, handover and learning, so no loose ends reach your auditor.
Read the noteHow to collect and report data by sex, age and disability
Learn how to collect and report sex, age and disability disaggregated data (SADDD): age bands, the Washington Group questions and common mistakes.
Read the noteHow to design a training people remember
A step-by-step method to design training for NGO staff: set learning objectives, plan practice, build a simple agenda, and follow up so learning sticks.
Read the noteHow to manage changes to scope, budget and timeline
A clear process for managing changes in NGO projects: which changes need donor approval, how to write a change request, and how to avoid late requests.
Read the noteHow to measure progress on localization
How local NGOs and partners can measure localisation: funding that reaches local actors, partnership quality, decision-making power and simple tools.
Read the noteHow to plan an exit strategy from day one
Plan a project exit from the start: define sustainability, hand over to local owners, withdraw support gradually and track what lasts after you leave.
Read the noteHow to plan and run a baseline survey
A baseline measures key indicators before your project starts. Learn what to measure, how to plan it, and how to keep it comparable with your endline.
Read the noteHow to prepare for a donor audit
A practical audit preparation plan for NGOs: what auditors ask for, how to organise records, a twelve-week timeline, and what to do with the findings.
Read the noteHow to prepare for an NGO job interview
A step-by-step plan to prepare for an NGO job interview: research, competency questions, the STAR method, written tests, online interviews and follow-up.
Read the noteHow to recruit fairly and well
A step-by-step guide to fair, safe NGO recruitment: job descriptions, structured interviews, reference checks, records and how to protect against misconduct.
Read the noteHow to respond to an expression of interest call
A practical method for answering a call for expressions of interest: check eligibility, follow the format, show relevant experience, and submit on time.
Read the noteHow to run a focus group discussion that gives useful data
Plan group size, roles, questions and notes for a focus group discussion, with a step-by-step method and tips for Myanmar teams working in Burmese.
Read the noteHow to run a midterm review on a small budget
A low-cost way to run a midterm review: set clear questions, use existing data, add a few interviews, and turn findings into a management response.
Read the noteHow to run a rapid needs assessment
A step-by-step method for a rapid needs assessment: review existing data first, collect field data safely, analyse together and share findings fast.
Read the noteHow to run engaging online training
Practical tips for running online training that keeps people engaged: short sessions, interaction, breakout rooms, tech checks and low-bandwidth planning.
Read the noteHow to run project meetings that end with decisions
A simple method for project meetings in NGO teams: agenda, roles, action items with one owner, a closing recap and a note sent within 24 hours.
Read the noteHow to set up a complaints and feedback mechanism that works
Ten practical steps to build a complaints and feedback mechanism: choose channels with the community, set response times, log cases and learn from them.
Read the noteHow to stop scope creep in grant-funded projects
Scope creep drains budgets and time. Learn how NGO teams can define scope, say no kindly, and use a simple change request process with their donor.
Read the noteHow to use a RACI matrix in NGO projects
Use a RACI matrix to show who does, approves, advises and is told about each task in your NGO project. Includes steps, an example table and mistakes.
Read the noteHow to work well in a consortium
A practical guide to consortium work for NGO staff: choose a structure, agree roles and decisions in writing, and keep partners aligned from start to finish.
Read the noteHow to write a budget narrative that matches your proposal
Learn what a budget narrative is, how to structure it by budget line, show calculations and justify each cost so it matches your proposal activities.
Read the noteHow to write a capacity statement for partnership calls
What a capacity statement must prove, six parts to include, a fill-in structure and common mistakes, written for local NGOs answering partnership calls.
Read the noteHow to write a case for support for individual donors
Build one clear case for support from seven blocks, then reuse it for appeal letters, one-pagers and conversations with individual donors.
Read the noteHow to write a case study about your work
A practical guide to writing a case study for an NGO: choose the case, get informed consent, use a clear structure, show evidence and protect dignity.
Read the noteHow to write a clear project report
A practical method for writing clear project reports: plan, structure, results-first writing, plain language, and a review checklist for NGO staff.
Read the noteHow to write a concept note donors read to the end
A practical guide to concept notes: what donors want in two to four pages, a clear structure, a numbered writing method and mistakes that get notes rejected.
Read the noteHow to write a CV for NGO jobs
A practical guide to writing a clear CV for NGO and humanitarian jobs: what to include, how to show results, how long it should be, and common mistakes.
Read the noteHow to write a project charter
Learn how to write a one-to-two page project charter for NGO projects: what to include, who signs it, a step-by-step method and common mistakes.
Read the noteHow to write a strategic plan for a small NGO
A step-by-step method for a small NGO strategic plan: prepare, assess, set direction, choose priorities, write a short plan, and review it each year.
Read the noteHow to write a strong problem statement
A step-by-step method for a problem statement donors trust: a bounded gap, labelled evidence, honest causes and clear limits, with a weak and strong example.
Read the noteHow to write a theory of change your team will use
A theory of change explains how and why your project will cause change. Learn a simple backward-mapping method, how to test assumptions and keep it alive.
Read the noteHow to write an annual report
A step-by-step guide to writing an NGO annual report: what to include, how to show results and finances honestly, and how to keep it short.
Read the noteHow to write an executive summary
How to write an executive summary busy donors and managers read: what to include, how long it should be, a simple template and common mistakes.
Read the noteHow to write and roll out a PSEA policy
A step-by-step guide to writing a policy on protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), then rolling it out to staff, partners and communities.
Read the noteHow to write donor reports that build trust
How to structure a donor report so it is read: what program officers look at first, how to explain a missed target, and a checklist before you send.
Read the noteHow to write proposal objectives and results
Write clear proposal objectives, outcomes and outputs: the results chain, how many of each to use, SMART wording, examples and common mistakes.
Read the noteHow to write SMART indicators for humanitarian projects
Check each indicator against five SMART questions, define numerators and denominators, and fix weak wording with before-and-after examples.
Read the noteHow to write terms of reference for a final evaluation
What to put in evaluation terms of reference: purpose, scope, questions, method, team, deliverables and timeline, with a section-by-section checklist.
Read the noteHR policies a growing NGO needs
Which HR policies a growing NGO needs first, what each should cover, how to write and roll them out in a staff handbook, and how to keep them useful.
Read the noteIndicator reference sheets: what to include and why
An indicator reference sheet fixes the definition, formula, source and owner of each indicator, so every officer reports the same number the same way.
Read the noteInternal controls for small finance teams
Practical internal controls for small NGO finance teams: separating duties, approvals, bank reconciliation and low-cost checks when staff are few.
Read the noteIssue logs and action trackers for small teams
How small NGO teams can keep one simple issue log and action tracker: what to record, who owns what, and how to review it weekly without extra software.
Read the noteJoint work plans with implementing partners
How to build a joint work plan with implementing partners: shared results, activities, budgets, risks and reporting dates, agreed in one document.
Read the noteKey informant interviews: planning, questions and notes
How to plan a key informant interview, write open questions, get consent and keep clear notes, with a checklist NGO MEAL teams can use this week.
Read the noteLeadership skills for team leaders
Practical leadership skills for NGO team leaders: set direction, build trust, delegate, communicate, handle conflict and look after your team under pressure.
Read the noteLeading change inside your organisation
How NGO leaders can lead internal change: Kotter's eight steps in plain words, how to bring staff along, and mistakes that make change fail.
Read the noteLearning reviews: turning project experience into change
How to run an after-action or learning review: four questions, who to invite, how to record lessons and how to make sure the actions happen.
Read the noteLive polls and quizzes in trainings
How to use live polls and quizzes to keep trainees engaged: when to ask, how to write good questions, Zoom poll basics and what to do with results.
Read the noteLocal procurement and market support
How NGOs can buy locally and support local markets: assess the market first, run fair tenders, support suppliers, and avoid pushing prices up.
Read the noteLogistics planning for distributions
How to plan a distribution step by step: the distribution plan, stock, transport, rainy-season timing, controls and community information.
Read the noteMaking local voices heard by donors
Practical ways for local NGOs to be heard by donors: use coordination groups, join forums, ask for regular dialogue, and bring evidence and one clear message.
Read the noteManaging conflict of interest
What a conflict of interest is, how to spot one, and a five-step process with a register, declarations and recorded decisions that small NGOs can use.
Read the noteManaging partnerships remotely
How to manage a partnership when you cannot visit: the remote management spectrum, co-design, monitoring that triangulates, trust criteria and a weekly rhythm.
Read the noteManaging risks in cash programmes
How to identify and manage risks in cash and voucher programmes: fraud, diversion, inflation, safety and tension, with simple controls for each phase.
Read the noteManaging sub-grants as an intermediary
A practical guide for organisations that pass grants to partners: due diligence, agreements, payments, monitoring, support and fair overhead, step by step.
Read the noteMental health and psychosocial support basics
Learn the IASC four-layer MHPSS pyramid, what each layer means for community organisations, key do's and don'ts, and how to refer people who need more help.
Read the noteMinutes and action points in five steps
How to write formal meeting minutes and track action points to completion: a five-step method, a minutes format, an action log and approval rules.
Read the noteMutual accountability in partnerships
What mutual accountability means between funders, intermediaries and local NGOs: the Principles of Partnership, practical tools, and a simple two-way review.
Read the noteNegotiation skills for field staff
A plain guide to negotiation for NGO field staff: prepare, find interests behind positions, build options, know your limits, and keep relationships intact.
Read the noteNotion for NGOs: a practical setup
How to set up a Notion workspace for an NGO: teamspaces, page structure, permissions, templates and house rules, so staff can find and trust what is there.
Read the noteOffline mobile data collection in low-connectivity areas
How to collect survey data on phones with no internet: set up KoboCollect, download forms first, finalise and send later, and avoid losing data.
Read the noteOnboarding new staff in the first 90 days
A simple 90-day onboarding plan for NGO staff: before day one, week one, the first month and the 90-day review, with a checklist managers can use.
Read the noteOrganisational capacity self-assessment for local NGOs
How a local NGO can run its own capacity self-assessment: choose a tool, rate honestly in groups, set targets and use the results with partners and donors.
Read the noteOrganisational risk management
A simple risk management process for NGOs: identify, assess, respond and review risks, build a risk register, and keep it alive after the first workshop.
Read the noteOrganising shared files so people can find them
A simple system for organising shared files in a cloud drive: folder structure, file names, access rules, version control and a monthly tidy-up.
Read the noteOutcome harvesting: when and how to use it
What outcome harvesting is, when it fits, and its six steps: design, draft outcomes, engage informants, substantiate, analyse and support use.
Read the notePassing partner due diligence as a local NGO
What partner due diligence asks of a local NGO, how to prepare a document pack, and how passporting and standards can reduce repeated assessments.
Read the notePivot tables for monitoring data
Learn how to use Excel pivot tables to summarise monitoring data by location, month or group, with clear steps, a worked layout and common mistakes.
Read the notePlanning digital change in a small NGO
A step-by-step way for a small NGO to plan digital change: start with people and processes, choose few tools, train staff and review results.
Read the notePMD Pro: what it is and who it is for
PMD Pro, now called Project DPro, is a project management method and certificate for NGO staff. Learn the phases, the two exam levels and who benefits.
Read the notePost-distribution monitoring: what to ask and how to report it
A practical guide to post-distribution monitoring (PDM): when to do it, which questions to ask recipients, how to sample and how to report the results.
Read the notePower BI basics for programme dashboards
A beginner guide to Power BI for programme teams: reports, dashboards, data prep from Excel, a first-dashboard workflow and when not to use it.
Read the notePresentation skills for NGO staff
How NGO staff can plan and deliver clear presentations: define your purpose, build one message, structure slides, practise, and handle questions calmly.
Read the noteProblem solving tools for teams
Three simple root cause tools for NGO teams: the 5 Whys, the fishbone diagram and the problem tree. Steps, examples and when to use each one.
Read the noteProfessional emails that get replies
How to write short professional emails that people answer: specific subject lines, one clear request, a simple structure, and when to pick up the phone.
Read the noteProject cycle management explained for NGO teams
Project cycle management in plain words: the phases from understanding the situation to closure, what each phase produces, and common mistakes.
Read the noteProject lessons from the 2025 earthquake response
Seven project management lessons from the 28 March 2025 central Myanmar earthquake response: assessment, access, funding gaps, seasons and workplans.
Read the noteProject management basics for first-time managers
New to managing an NGO project? Learn the five project phases, six core disciplines and first steps to take in your first weeks as a project manager.
Read the noteProposal annexes: what donors usually ask for
The annexes donors commonly require with a proposal, how to manage them with an attachment register, and the checks that prevent missing or wrong files.
Read the noteProtection mainstreaming for non-protection staff
A practical guide to protection mainstreaming for programme, logistics and finance staff: the four elements and simple checks for every activity.
Read the noteReducing the reporting burden on local partners
Why reporting is heavy for local partners, what the Grand Bargain and the 8+3 template aim to fix, and practical steps to simplify reports with your partners.
Read the noteRemote monitoring when staff cannot reach project sites
How to keep monitoring a project when staff cannot travel: simple methods, triangulation, safety rules and when to use a third-party monitor.
Read the noteRisk sharing between international and local partners
What risk sharing means in a funding chain, why risk often flows down to local partners, and how to start an honest risk conversation with your partner.
Read the noteRunning performance appraisals that help staff grow
How to run NGO performance appraisals that build skills: set objectives, give feedback all year, hold a fair review meeting and agree a development plan.
Read the noteRunning trainings on Zoom
A practical guide to running NGO trainings on Zoom: planning sessions, keeping people engaged, handling poor connections and protecting your meeting.
Read the noteSafeguarding basics every NGO must have
The core safeguarding basics for NGOs and CSOs: what safeguarding means, the minimum policies and people you need, and how to handle a report step by step.
Read the noteSampling for small NGO surveys: a plain guide
Choose between simple random, systematic and cluster sampling, understand sample sizes used by UNHCR and WFP, and avoid common sampling mistakes.
Read the noteSelf-care for humanitarian workers
Practical self-care for aid workers: spot stress early, set limits on hours, build peer support, and know when to ask for professional help.
Read the noteSetting a reporting rhythm for your project
How to build a simple reporting calendar for an NGO project: weekly, monthly and quarterly reports, internal deadlines, and one data source for all of them.
Read the noteSetting priorities when everything is urgent
Use the Eisenhower matrix and a simple weekly routine to separate urgent from important work, say no politely and protect time for what matters.
Read the noteShelter and non-food items: core standards
Core Sphere standards for emergency shelter and non-food items: covered living space, privacy, hygiene items, cooking and lighting, and how to apply them.
Read the noteSimple maps for programme planning
How NGO teams can use simple maps to plan programmes: paper, Google Maps or QGIS, what data to map, a five-step method and common mistakes.
Read the noteSimple MEAL dashboards for managers and donors
How to build a simple MEAL dashboard that managers and donors will use: pick the audience, choose few indicators, mock it up, test it and keep it updated.
Read the noteSkills every MEAL officer needs in 2026
The core skills a MEAL officer needs in 2026: indicators, data tools, ethics, analysis, facilitation and communication, plus how to build each one.
Read the noteSocial media for NGOs on a small budget
How a small NGO can run social media without a big budget: pick one channel, plan a simple calendar, get consent for images and measure what matters.
Read the noteStaff wellbeing and burnout in humanitarian work
How NGO managers can reduce staff stress and burnout: causes, warning signs, practical steps for managers and a simple staff care plan for small teams.
Read the noteStakeholder analysis for community projects
A practical stakeholder analysis for NGO and community projects: who to list, how to use the power-interest grid, engagement plans and common mistakes.
Read the noteStorytelling for NGOs without exploiting people
How to tell strong stories about your work while protecting dignity: informed consent, contributor-led stories, safe images and a checklist you can use.
Read the noteSuccession planning for NGO leaders
How to plan for a change of NGO director: an emergency plan, a planned handover, and growing future leaders, with a simple template to start.
Read the noteSupply chain management for humanitarian programmes
What a humanitarian supply chain covers, from needs to delivery, with a simple seven-stage flow, key controls, and tips for small NGOs in Myanmar.
Read the noteSupporting women-led organisations
How donors, intermediaries and NGOs can support women-led organisations: flexible funding, simple access, a voice in decisions and respect for their strengths.
Read the noteThe Core Humanitarian Standard in plain words
What the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) is, its nine commitments in simple language, and how a small NGO can start using it in daily work.
Read the noteThe first month of a new project: an inception checklist
A checklist for the first month of an NGO project: agreements, team roles, work plan, MEAL, risks and partners, plus what an inception report holds.
Read the noteThe Grand Bargain explained for local actors
What the Grand Bargain is, its six localisation commitments, the 25% funding target, how it changed in 2021 and 2023, and what local NGOs can do with it.
Read the noteThe humanitarian principles and why they matter
What humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence mean in daily NGO work, how they protect access and staff, and how to apply them in Myanmar.
Read the noteThe Most Significant Change technique for community stories
How to use the Most Significant Change (MSC) technique: collect stories of change, choose the most significant, give feedback and verify them.
Read the noteThe OECD-DAC evaluation criteria explained simply
The six OECD-DAC evaluation criteria in plain words: relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability, with sample questions.
Read the noteThe starter pack of NGO policies
Which written policies a small NGO needs first, which can wait, and how to write short policies your team will actually follow.
Read the noteTime management for busy field staff
Practical time management for NGO field staff: sort tasks by urgency and importance, plan your week, protect focus time and say no to extra work politely.
Read the noteUsing AI assistants for proposal drafting, safely
How to use an AI assistant to help draft donor proposals without risking confidential data, invented facts or a generic voice: a safe, step-by-step workflow.
Read the noteUsing Google Sheets for team collaboration
How NGO teams can share Google Sheets safely: set permissions, use comments and tasks, protect key ranges, track versions and limit risks with data.
Read the noteWASH in emergencies: the basics
Water, sanitation and hygiene in emergencies: Sphere water quantity and access indicators, hygiene promotion, community involvement and common field mistakes.
Read the noteWhat a good NGO website needs
The essentials of a good NGO website: a clear homepage, the pages donors check, accessibility, mobile speed, languages and who should own it.
Read the noteWhat goes into a MEAL plan, section by section
A section-by-section guide to a project MEAL plan: theory of change, indicators, learning questions, data collection, data quality, use of results and budget.
Read the noteWhat is MEAL? A practical introduction for NGO staff
MEAL stands for monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning. See what each part means, how they fit together, and where to start in your project.
Read the noteWhat localization means for local organisations
Localization explained for local NGOs and CSOs: what the word means, who counts as a local actor, what 'as directly as possible' means, and what to do.
Read the noteWhat makes an equitable partnership
The five Principles of Partnership explained with practical tests local NGOs can use to check if a partnership is equitable in budgets, decisions and voice.
Read the noteWhat organisational development means in practice
Organisational development (OD) explained for NGO leaders: what it covers, how to start with an honest assessment, and how to keep change going.
Read the noteWhat to check before you sign a grant agreement
A plain checklist for reviewing a grant agreement before signing: scope, budget, payment terms, reporting, changes, closeout, and who should approve.
Read the noteWhat to do after a proposal is rejected
A calm, practical routine for the days after a donor says no: thank them, ask one clear question, log the lesson and decide where to apply next.
Read the noteWhat to do when a major donor cuts funding
A calm five-step plan if a major donor cuts or ends funding: read the notice, check cash, protect people, close out properly and rebuild your funding mix.
Read the noteWhat to include in a partnership agreement
A clause-by-clause checklist for NGO partnership agreements: who, why, what, how, what if, money, communications and exit. Check legal advice before signing.
Read the noteWhy core costs matter and how to ask for them
What core and indirect costs are, why under-funding them harms local NGOs, and a clear way to budget and ask donors and partners to cover them.
Read the noteWhy local NGOs should join networks
Why local NGOs benefit from networks and alliances, what to check before joining, the risks of being overpowered, and how to take part with limited staff.
Read the noteWhy local partners need overhead too
Why local NGOs need indirect cost funding, what overhead covers, how donors and agencies pass it on, and how to ask for it in budgets and agreements.
Read the noteWorking with diaspora donors: trust, reporting and care
How NGOs can work with diaspora donors: build trust, report clearly, manage expectations, check the rules and protect people and partners.
Read the noteWorking with intermediary organisations
What intermediary organisations do, what local NGOs should ask for, and a checklist for a fair, workable relationship with the agency that passes funds to you.
Read the noteWriting a procurement policy that protects your team
How to write a clear NGO procurement policy: principles, thresholds, quotation steps, conflict-of-interest rules and records that satisfy donors.
Read the noteWriting for donors in plain English
Eight practical rules for plain English in proposals and reports, with before-and-after examples for NGO staff who write in English as a second language.
Read the noteWriting good AI prompts for NGO work
A simple method for writing AI prompts that give useful answers for NGO tasks: role, task, context, format and checks, with examples you can copy.
Read the noteXLSForm basics for survey design
Learn the three XLSForm sheets, the mandatory columns, common question types and rules for names, with a small example you can copy into Excel.
Read the noteHow much should you pay a grant writer? A transparent guide for Myanmar NGOs
Compare the three common ways grant writers charge, learn why a commission on the award is discouraged, and see what to put in the contract.
Read the noteWhy a professional organisational profile matters for NGOs and CSOs
Donors and partners judge you on paper before they meet you. Learn what an organisational profile should contain and how it supports funding and partnerships.
Read the noteManaging humanitarian projects with Notion instead of Excel
When a Notion workspace beats scattered Excel files for project tracking, how to set up linked databases, and what to check on data safety first.
Read the noteThe localization path to direct funding for local organisations
What the Grand Bargain localisation commitments say, why funding is still often indirect, and how local NGOs can prepare to receive direct funding.
Read the noteHow to write meeting notes that make reporting easier
A simple method for meeting notes NGO teams can use: what to record, a five-part template, and how good notes turn into faster, stronger reports.
Read the noteSee EMPO in motion.
Video
Theory of Change Builder for Proposal Development
A quick walk-through of how EMPO maps outcomes to activities — turning a fuzzy idea into a fundable logic.
Video
Project Risk Management
How to spot, rate and manage project risks — a practical session for NGO and CSO teams.
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